Dear Ex Wife, Please take me back novel Chapter 140

ALEX

I shoot him a flat look, already regretting letting my heart do the talking.

I should have said that in private, but I wanted everyone in this room to hear it. Our marriage, having been a secret, is another thing I deeply regret.

“You planning on becoming a motivational speaker now? Hi, I’m Alexander King, the emotionally constipated CEO reformed romantic.”

I groan. “Luca, shut up.”

“Oh, come on” he grins, nudging me with his elbow. “You almost made me cry, bro. Almost. And you know I only cry during championship games and when Nonna burns the pasta.”

I try not to smile, but the corner of my mouth betrays me.

“I mean, damn.” Luca crosses his arms on his chest and leans back in his chair, “ I mean, who knew you had a whole sonnet living in your chest? I thought if you ever gave a speech like that, it’d be for a company merger, not a woman you used to treat like a potted plant.”

“Luca.” I warn.

“Sorry. Sorry.” He holds up his hands, barely suppressing his laughter. “But seriously, that was deep. Like she might forgive you in thirty to fifty business years’ deep.”

“Do you ever shut up?” I'm trying to focus my lip reading.

Noah is standing with Athena and I want to know what fuck he's saying to her.

“Did you see the look on Athena’s face?” Luca says and that gets my attention.

My stomach tightens as I turn to face him,

“No. Couldn’t read her. What did she look like?”

The bastard smiles.

I really hate this guy!

“She didn’t look like she wanted to make more babies with you if you're wondering..”

“Whose side are you on?” I slit my eyes making him laugh.

He really is having a blast isn't he?

“I'm on Athena’s side. The woman even burnt your car to ashes, I would never cross her.” He laughs.

“But don't worry, you're still here in one piece.” he adds. “So that's progress. Maybe next Mother’s Day, she’ll let you sit beside her instead of three chairs away like the emotional quarantine zone you’re in now.”

“Great. Thanks, Dr. Phil.”

He sips his drink and lowers his voice slightly, “Seriously though, that was gutsy. And it meant something. She heard you. But you fucked up in so many ways so it will take alot more than a speech to forgive you.”

“I'll do anything,” I murmur, glancing her way again.

She’s smiling with Rayen now, helping him hold up another drawing for someone. She’s glowing, and all I can think is,

I want to be the reason she smiles like that again.

Luca follows my gaze and says with a smirk, “You really have fallen in love, haven't you.”

Have I?

“I don't know what love is.” I admit.

He laughs. “Neither do I. But I think this is how it starts.”

“Then I have no complaints.” I grab a bottle of water and take a sip.

We stay a little longer, everyone mingling and laughing, the energy slowing down as the night deepens.

One by one, people begin gathering their things, the hugs and goodbyes turning slower, until almost everyone has left.

I keep an eye on her the entire time.

Athena. She’s still smiling, even though I can tell her eyes are exhausted and a part of my heart shatters.

I told her this wouldn't take long. I glance at my watch and notice two hours have passed.

Just before he steps out the door, Luca throws me a wink and I shake my head in gratitude.

Who knew this annoying fucker would end up being my wing man?

The door closes. And just like that… it’s just the three of us left.

Athena. Rayen. And me.

The house, once filled with laughter and noise, now stretches out in eerie silence.

It’s too quiet.

Suddenly too big. Every shadow feels like it echoes.

She shifts, adjusting Rayen, who’s nearly out cold on her shoulder. I take a few steps toward her, but I hesitate.

I don’t know what to say.

I’ve given speeches in boardrooms that changed the course of companies. I’ve manipulated deals, signed billion-dollar contracts, stood my ground against men who kill for sport…

But now, facing the woman I once destroyed, whose forgiveness I crave more than anything,

I’m at a loss.

She looks at me.

Her eyes are still guarded.

“I'll get the car ready.” I say and she nods as she walks to the couch.

I walk upstairs to quickly brush my teeth and change my shirt. I pick the car keys for the SUV and walk back down.

Words are caught in my throat at the sight before me,

Athena is asleep on the couch with Rayen in her arms.